The airflow distribution and aerosol diffusion rules in the negative pressure isolation ward

ABSTRACT

Negative pressure wards are significant in preventing the spread of infectious pathogens which play a crucial role in fighting against COVID-19. Owing to the negative pressure, contaminated air with pathogens is not able to flow from the wards to non-contaminated zones while fresh filtered air will be transported to the ward via the ventilation system. As airflow controlled by ventilation systems affects the motion of pathogens, for example, infectious aerosol particles, the ability of a negative pressure ward to reduce the risk of infection highly relies on an effective ventilation system. In this investigation, impacts of airflow patterns under various human postures and ventilation processes aerosols diffusion are analyzed via the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation. According to the results, among three airflow patterns, the highest contaminant removal efficiency is 57% at 200 s with the top supply and bottom return mode;besides, in three postures, in the case that the patient is in a standing position, the contaminant removal efficiency is the highest. Furthermore, it is found that the best airflow scheme is a slit tuyere in the ward, with a top supply and side return mode and a sitting position for the patient. This study may provide a reference for the design of airflow in negative pressure isolation wards, control of contaminants, and prevention of viral infections, so as to ensure a good working and recovery environment for medical staff and patients. [ FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of Simulation is the property of Sage Publications, Ltd. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full . (Copyright applies to all s.)